Huntington Bank's Stanutz to retire; role to be split

Nick Stanutz, auto finance leader at Huntington Bank, who helped establish its auto lending business, will retire at the end of this year after 31 years with the bank.

His position, senior executive vice president and managing director of auto finance, commercial real estate and community development lending and investment, will be divided into two roles, he wrote in a email to customers.

Sandy Pierce, senior executive vice president, private bank and regional banking director and chair of Michigan, also will be responsible for the bank's auto and RV-marine businesses. Pierce has been on the Penske Automotive Group board of directors since 2012, a company spokesman said. She also has been active in commercial banking in Michigan and has established relationships with executives throughout the auto industry.

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Pierce

Rick Remiker, senior executive vice president and director of commercial banking, will be responsible for the commercial real estate/community development lending and mezzanine lending businesses.

Additionally, Rich Porrello, a 29-year Huntington veteran, will continue to manage the auto finance business, reporting to Pierce, a company statement said.

Stanutz's impact

Stanutz, 62, climbed the ranks at Huntington, helping to establish its auto business and eventually leading the commercial real estate business.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my more than three decades at Huntington and having the opportunity to build a best-in-class auto lending business from the ground up. I have been fortunate to work with the best teams in the business and am grateful for the strong partnerships and true friendships with my colleagues and our customers," Stanutz said in the statement.

He joined Huntington in 1986 to help build the bank's new auto lending portfolio. Seven years later, he led all of consumer banking for Huntington. In 1998, he became part of Huntington's leadership team, and auto became its own business line at the bank. In 2010, in addition to auto finance, he began leading the commercial real estate business, the statement said.

Huntington CEO Steve Steinour said Stanutz has been an "invaluable and integral member" of the executive team.

"He's made many outstanding contributions to Huntington during his long tenure helping to lead, build and grow the bank," he said. "Nick is an industry-respected leader, a great colleague and partner, and someone who has always looked out for our colleagues and our customers. We're grateful for his leadership and will continue to benefit from the strength of his teams, their consistent execution, depth of management and leadership."